Judaism has seldom, if ever, been monolithic in practice (although it has always been monotheistic in theology), and differs from many religions in that its central authority is not vested in any person or group but rather in its writings and traditions.

The practice of Judaism is devoted to the study and observance of these laws and commandments, as written in the Torah.

ReformJudaism initially defined Judaism as a religion, rather than as a race or culture; rejected most of the ritual ceremonial laws of the Torah while observing moral laws; and emphasized the ethical call of the Prophets.

But with the lengthy development of Judaism and its many changes it is incorrect to posit, as some have done, that Jewish history produced two separate religions: an OT religion of Israel and the postexilic religion of Judaism.

The feel that Judaism should "alter its externals to strengthen its eternals." Reform holds that there is divine authority only in the written law of the Old Testament (its main distinction from Orthodox.) They feel that the practices of dietary laws and covering the head at worship are outmoded and should be abandoned.

Judaism has a system of law, known as Halachah, regulating civil and criminal justice, family relationships, personal ethics and manners, social responsibilities - such as help to the needy, education, and community institutions - as well as worship and other religious observances.

The acknowledged foundations of Judaism are the Principles of Faith, the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and the Law of Holiness.

Furthermore, each period of Jewish history has left behind it a specific element of a Judaic heritage that continued to influence subsequent developments, so that the total Jewish heritage at any time is a combination of all these successive elements along with whatever adjustments and accretions are imperative in each new age.

According to Judaic belief, it is through the historical evolution of man, and particularly of the Jewish people, that the divine guidance of history constantly manifests itself and will ultimately culminate in the messianic age.

It is to historic Judaism, the Judaism of the Old Testament, that Christianity traces its roots.

To whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the templeservice and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever.

Although Judaism acknowledges that man does commit acts of sin, there is not a sense of man being totally depraved or unworthy as is found in Christiantheology.

Judaism is works-oriented and rejects the atoning work of Christ and His divine nature.

www.probe.org /content/view/1111/65 (2399 words)

Great World Religions: Judaism (Detailed Description)(Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-22)

However Judaism is defined, the beliefs, practices, attitudes, and institutions of Jews through the ages display a striking diversity, despite the fact that all would ascribe to a common heritage.

Judaism'scalendar is arguably the most important unifying factor in what is otherwise a frequently fragmented religious community.

Their names were Hillel and Shammai, and he asks them, Teach me all of Judaism as I am standing on one leg.' Now, the first rabbi, Shammai, has no patience for such a frivolous request, and he bangs him over the head with a rod that he happened to have in his hand.

It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering, persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture.

Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief.

www.religionfacts.com /judaism/index.htm (135 words)

Judaism(Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-22)

The origins of Judaism can be traced back more than 3000 years to the religion of ancient Israel known as Yahwism.

RabbinicJudaism, developed according to Pharisaic practice and centered on Torah and synagogue, became the primary expression of faith.

Two branches of European Judaism developed during the Middle Ages: the Sephardic, based in Spain and with an affinity to Babylonian Jews; and the Ashkenazic, based in Franco-German lands and affiliated with Rome and Palestine.

ConservativeJudaism, which developed in the mid-18th century, holds the Talmud to be authoritative and follows most traditional practices, yet tries to make Judaism relevant for each generation, believing that change and tradition can complement each other.

Two branches of Judaism emerged in the Middle Ages: the Sephardi, centered in Spain and culturally linked with the Babylonian Jews; and the Ashkenazi, centered in France and Germany and linked with the Jewish culture of Palestine and Rome.

The ultimate aim of the journal is to promote the reconceptualization of the study of Judaism, by acknowledging and incorporating the roles played by women, and by encouraging the development of alternative research paradigms.

Judaism in Cuba, like otherreligions there, was severely restricted for almost three decades.

The UJCL strives to preserve the continuity of Judaism in the region and to give a voice to all the small liberal communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Reform Judaism took root in North America more than 130 years ago under the leadership of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, one of several European rabbis who brought the changes in Judaism occurring in Europe to these shores.

Reform Judaism is now the largest Jewish movement in North America, with more than 900 congregations and 1.5 million people.

The word "Reform" in the name of our Movement is a recognition that reform is part of our way of life, as it has been for Jews throughout the centuries.

Clearly, there is a religion called Judaism, a set of ideas about the world and the way we should live our lives that is called "Judaism." It is studied in Religious Studies courses and taught to Jewish children in Hebrew schools.

They may practice some of the rituals of Judaism and celebrate some of the holidays, but they don't think of these actions as religious activities.